Pages tagged "Author patrick withers"

FairVote's most recent review of redistricting reform in the states in 2009-2010 presents a mix of optimism and frustration for supporters of redistricting in the public interest rather than in the best interest of the political duopoly.

Illinois voters will vote twice this November for US Senate, one to fill the seat for six years and one to sill the seat for a matter of weeks. What does this admittedly bizzare situation have to teach us about the value of democracy?

FairVote's most recent review of redistricting reform in the states in 2009-2010 presents a mix of optimism and frustration for supporters of redistricting in the public interest rather than in the best interest of the political duopoly.

Since the foundation of our democracy, gerrymandering, or the strategic drawing of districts to somehow bias the electoral result, has been an important, albeit nefarious, component of American politics. It is common, especially in census years, for voters to rail against politicians on both sides of the aisle for using gerrymandering to secure their own party's power. While there is plenty of blame to go around, perhaps there is a larger problem lying underneath the surface. Perhaps the problem lies in the creation of single-member districts itself.